About 97 percent of Sheraton workers and 96 percent of Hilton workers voted to approve the strike authorization, said Alan Mark, president of Faith in Action for Community Equity, who led a community group that counted the votes. The union, UNITE HERE Local 5, represents about 1,600 Hilton employees and 2,500 workers at the Sheraton Waikiki, the Princess Ka'iulani, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaiian.

The vote doesn't mean there will be a strike, but it gives union negotiators the authority to call for one if contract talks break down.

Labor contracts covering more than 5,500 employees at eight Waikiki hotels expired June 30, but negotiations have continued. Contracts for employees at the Ala Moana Hotel and the Kahala Hotel & Resort will expire the end of the month.